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Longboat Key | Opinion

Hoyt Architects of Sarasota created this rendering of “Town Center Park,” site of the former Amore restaurant near Publix.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 15, 2020
The keys to a town center on Longboat

If Longboat Key commissioners are convinced the town needs a town center, they face two tough decisions: giving subsidies to developers and what to do about density.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
St. Armands Circle is a frequent source of traffic headaches.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • January 2, 2020
If you were king or queen, how would you fix traffic?

What are your potential solutions to our never-ending traffic troubles.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • January 1, 2020
2020 word of the year: Make it a ‘Golden’ year

Given the past three years of strife in Washington, one word that comes to mind is ‘stop’ — as ‘Stop it!’ But a better approach is to take the high road: the Golden Rule.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
This is the last week of lane closures because of the tree removal on the Ringling Causeway. (Nat Kaemmerer)
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 11, 2019
How about Sarasota traffic cops?

The city of Sarasota should be thinking about the effects of roundabout construction on residents’ and visitors’ experience here. Some customer service with traffic could sure help.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 11, 2019
Clean up messes before beginning a search

Interim Superintendent Mitsi Corcoran needs financial support to clean the school district's lawsuits.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • December 4, 2019
Where $91 billion of Florida tax money goes

Social services, education and transportation devour nearly 90% of Florida’s tax collections.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 20, 2019
Redistricting Sarasota County is a no-win proposition

To redistrict now or wait doesn’t matter. The outcome will be the same: lawsuits and a government that weakens voters’ voices.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Adrian Moore
  • November 13, 2019
How to make budgets useful for taxpayers

State and local government budget reporting should shift away from inputs and focus on performance.

  • Sarasota
  • Opinion
Two Marines have carried this flag to Vietnam, Philippines, Guam, Qatar, Israel, Jordan, Okinawa, South Korea DMZ and Iraq.
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 6, 2019
Veterans Day 2019: Thank you for your service

On the eve of Veterans Day, a personal story and gratitude to those who serve.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • November 6, 2019
The antidote for unaffordable housing: Deregulate

The lack of affordable housing in Sarasota County is an increasing problem that has potential to be helped.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Residents of historic Cortez Village are worried that a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because of the land the state will require through eminent domain (outlined in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 31, 2019
Cortez's 30-year war

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their battle to stop a fixed-span bridge. From a practical, macro and economic standpoint, the fixed span makes sense. But then there’s that old commitment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
Residents of Cortez Village are worried the roadway length and size for a 65-foot fixed span will destroy the ambiance of the fishing village — in part because the land the state will require through eminent domain (in red).
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 30, 2019
The 30-year war on Cortez Bridge

Anna Maria die-hards are continuing their 30-year war to stop a fixed-span bridge. From a practical, macro and economic standpoint, the fixed span makes sense. But then there’s that old commitment.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
  • By Tom Harmer
  • October 28, 2019
My View: Town debt doesn't rise to $100 million

Editorial's figures generally accurate but misleading.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 23, 2019
Sarasota County School Board must leave a positive legacy

Superintendent Todd Bowden’s handling of the sexual harassment charges against the district COO demonstrates he is not a good fit, nor fit for the job.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
    By
  • Matt Walsh
  • October 17, 2019
Longboat town debt to top $100 million

That’s a shocking amount for a little town of 7,000 population and an annual budget of $16 million. But when you add in all the ongoing projects, that number is real. Let’s hope there is no recession.

  • Longboat Key
  • Opinion
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Latest in Longboat Key

1
Danae Tran plays the violin for Longboat Island Chapel attendees of the July 19 morning service before she and fellow scholarship recipient Michelle McLeod move to greet guests at the award reception.
  • July 24, 2026
Scholars celebrated at Longboat Island Chapel award reception
2
A Flock camera takes pictures of vehicles that drive on Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.
  • July 22, 2026
Flock cameras photograph every car that enters Longboat Key
3
The home at 344 W. Royal Flamingo Drive sold for $6.55 million. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, a pool and 4,344 square feet of living area.
  • July 22, 2026
Top residential real estate sales for July 6-10 in Longboat, Lido, St. Armands, Bird Key
4
Mother-daughter duo Bridgette, left, and Giana Clark make a doubly positive difference in their community by monitoring sea turtle nests and clearing litter from the beach as volunteers with the Longboat Key Turtle Watch. The group recently celebrated seeing their new "Adopt A Shore" signage.
  • July 22, 2026
Clean beaches are a 'shore' thing under Turtle Watch's eye
5
Multiple species of starfish have found a home on the "Living Wall" at Longboat Key's Bayfront Park. The innovative project uses 3D-printed concrete slabs modeled after mangrove roots to provide better habitat for aquatic animals.
  • July 21, 2026
Longboat's living seawall recognized for creativity

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